City runner Jack claims victory in annual 20-miler
SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY ENSURES POPULAR VILLAGE GOES AHEAD AGAIN
DERBY Athletics Club runners claimed two podium finishes as around 1,500 runners competed in the annual Aldi Ashby 20.
Established in 1988, the latest edition of the 20-mile road started in Upper Packington Road, Ashby, going towards Packington before heading to Heather via Swepstone, returning to Packington via Normanton Le Heath.
After completing their second lap, the runners then headed towards the finish line on the Bath Grounds, where they were met by an army of supporters to welcome them home.
The first male runner, Jack Dakin (Derby AC) finished in a time of 1:52:22, followed by Daniel Bagley (un-affiliated) in 1:53:44, and Simon Allen (Owls AC) in 1:55:26.
The first female Amy Lowe (Washlands Women Runners) recorded a time of 2:11:12.
Rebecca Randell (Shepshed RC) was close behind finishing in 2:14:05, followed by Rebecca Miller (Derby AC) in 2:15:01.
A race spokesperson said the event was organised by runners, for runners.
They added: “The runners had various reasons for competing in the 20-mile event.
“Around 80 per cent of the runners were training for a spring marathon, including the London Marathon, and many were running for a charity, including Teenage Cancer Trust, Wishes 4 Kids, and Bright Hope House (formally known as Hospice Hope).
“The exact amounts raised aren’t known yet, however it’s known to be in the thousands.”
Members of Ivanhoe Runners and the Explorer Scouts were out in the rain from 6am setting up the course.
With runners arriving from the early hours, they congregated around the Bath Grounds before heading towards the start for 10am.
Mayor Avril Wilson offered the runners words of encouragement before officially starting the race.
The spokesperson added: “Being a true community event, many other local organisations joined Ivanhoe Runners and the Ashby 20 organising committee to help on the day.
“Without the local support the event simply wouldn’t happen.
“Special thanks go to Leicestershire Search and Rescue, Heartwize, Explorer Scouts, Ashby Spa WI, Ashby Castle Rotary, Conkers parkrun, and finally, the local community in supporting the runners around the route.
“Further thanks go to the official supporters of the event, including Aldi (main sponsors), Pladis (McVities), Everyone Active, Derby Runner, and Julia’s Bakery for supplying the cobs.”
Soon after the start, the rain eased, helping runners to realise their goal. Whether that was to get a certain time or simply to complete the undulating 20-mile route.
Gary Lowe, Wishes 4 Kids charity manager, said: “The support that you receive from all of the marshals and volunteers is truly incredible.
“An unbelievable amount of over £2,000 has been raised – an amazing amount for our small charity.”